Third, we compare carotid endothelial VCAM-1 and risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as hyperglycemia, hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and low high- density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), to determine which of these parameters constitutes the best predictor of CAD. The gene discussed is VCAM1; the disease is atherosclerosis.